1. Criminal
2. twisted Halos
3. Collide
4. Crooked Smiles
5. Simple Life
6. Rollercoaster
7. No Saving Me
8. Unbreakable
9. Science
10. Streetlights & Silhouettes
11. Crash & Burn
12. Forever Till The End
13. Castaway
Framing Hanley returns in a big way with The Sum Of Who We Are. I have been an acquaintance of front man Kenneth Nixon for several years now and was excited to hear of a new record from them.
The Sum Of Who We Are does contains something that is missing from a lot of releases these days, craft-work. The album is chock full of catchy hooks and great vocal work and yet does not lose its edge. From the opening track “Criminal” to the album closer “Castaway” you are drawn into the world of Framing Hanley, and it’s a pretty cool place.
I have a new found respect for Framing Hanley with this record. Taking the time to craft an album, instead of pushing out product fast to make a buck is what they did right.
Standout tracks for include “Criminal”, “No Saving Me”, and “Crash & Burn”. If you give this album a listen I believe there is something for everyone on here. Expand your horizons and give it a listen.
Solid 8.5 out of 10 on the Hellion scale for sure. This one will remain on my playlist for quite some time.
Remember when Rock Stars were larger than life? Glammed out superheroes we stuck on our walls and tried to emulate? Over the top looks and lifestyles were the norm for them. Not to mention we had a lot of cool music to listen to. We need them back in our lives, and then some.
Turn on the news, read a paper and it’s doom and gloom with no end in sight. It’s getting old and tired to me. Remember how you felt when you saw you favorite Rock Star or picked up a new record, poster, or magazine? Remember how good it felt?
There are still real Rock Stars walking the earth. They are out there and we need to step up and support them and what they do. Go to a Rock Show and help it to be all that it can be. Buy the records, shirts, and hit them up for posters and such. Let’s enjoy ourselves and revel in Rock N’ Roll once again!
Steel Panther is the best heavy metal band ever! Michael Starr is the singer, Satchel plays guitar, Stix Zadinia plays drums, and Lexxi Foxx is pretty. Their new record All You Can Eat is the best ever, you can throw away all of your other records, you’re welcome.*
Let’s talk about musicians and money for a minute. A lot of people still have the misconception that Rock Stars live in mansions, have fancy cars, and generally live a life of luxury. I’m here to tell you that is DEFINITELY NOT THE CASE. In fact, that is far from the norm, only a very small percentage live in excess.
I have spoken extensively with musicians in bands who have toured the world and sold millions of records and yet live in a regular house, drive a regular vehicle, and live day by day. I know musicians who live in substandard conditions in order to provide us with the music we love. Yes, it is a choice that they themselves choose to make, but we also choose to partake of it.
Now, let’s talk about music sharing. I have a wonderful idea on it: If there is music you love, and think others in your circle would enjoy, buy more than one copy and share it with those people. Then encourage others to do the same. This would go a long way towards helping musicians afford to continue to make music. The cost of making, recording, and distributing music is not cheap. BUY your music please and help keep music alive, and put some money into the pockets of the artists. – I’m just sayin’
I’m gonna rant today. I have interviewed a lot of musicians over the years. Some of them I have connected with and remain friends with. By friends I mean we exchange phone calls, emails, text messages, etc. While with others I am sure I am forgotten as soon as the phone is hung up or the camera is turned off. Within all of this I have become privy to band business and drama. I have been asked for advice and been a sounding board for various band members. ALL OF WHICH REMAIN BEHIND THE SCENES AS IT SHOULD BE.
I have recently seen a trend in social media where fans try to involve themselves in band business. I am of the opinion that fans need to support the band and their music and leave the business to them. I, for one, am not on any bands payroll and thus I have no say in their business. It’s ok to have an opinion, and yes bands put themselves in the public eye, but negativity breeds negativity and the music world needs to come together and unite. I’m just sayin..
KIX SIGNS WITH LOUD & PROUD RECORDS; FIRST NEW ALBUM IN 19 YEARS CURRENTLY IN THE WORKS AND SET FOR JULY 22 RELEASE
Look for KIX– Steve Whiteman (lead vocals), Jimmy Chalfant (drums, vocals), Ronnie Younkins(guitars), Brian Forsythe (guitars) and Mark Schenker (bass)—to release their first new album in almost two decades on July 22, thanks to their new partnership with Loud & Proud Records. What makes the project even more exciting and anticipated is that the album features the band’s original line-up, with the exception of Schenker on bass.
“The boys and I are so happy that our old friend, Tom Lipsky, has invited us to join the Loud & Proud family,” exclaims Whiteman. “We worked with Tom and Madelyn Scarpulla on our last studio album, SHOW BUSINESS, and we’re looking forward to working with them again with the release of the first new KIX album in almost 19 years! We’ll still be coming to a dump near you very soon!”
Loud & Proud Owner & President Tom Lipsky adds, “What I have always loved about KIX is they make rock ‘n roll fun. What I love about their new music is that it’s pure, genuine KIX music, straight up guitar rock with no compromise. They’re not chasing trends or trying to re-invent themselves. They’re simply doing what they do best…and now they can do it Loud and Proud!”
Marking the re-emergence of KIX in early-2000’s, the band had teamed up a few times a year to test the waters with reunion shows in the Maryland/Pennsylvania, which were very well received. Then in the summer of 2008, KIX performed outside the mid-Atlantic for the first time in 13 years at two of the biggest rock festivals in the U.S. Rocklahoma in Pryor, OK and Rock the Bayou in Houston, TX. The band was hailed by many music websites and attendees as “Best Performance” at both festivals, where they played alongside Sammy Hagar, Alice Cooper, Tesla, Queesryche, Ratt, and more.
As the demand for new music has never subsided and in fact has only increased over the last few years, the band decided that they can no longer ignore the overtures from their fans and are currently recording new KIX songs. The new album, due out summer 2014, is produced by Taylor Rhodes, who last worked with KIX on 1991’s HOT WIRE album. Rhodes has also written hit songs for Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne and Journey.
Stay tuned for new album news, which will be announced in the coming weeks, and check out KIX on tour at any of the following stops (with more to be announced soon):
Fri 4/25 – Columbia, MD – M3 Festival Sat 5/24 – Pryor, OK – Rocklahoma Sat 5/31 – Sandusky, OH – Ohio Bike Week Fri 6/6 – Vernal, UT – Thunder Rocks Sat 6/21 – Idaho Falls, ID – Rock The Falls Fri 7/25 – Royalton, MN – Halfway Jam Thu 7/31 – Leemore, CA – Tachi Palace Casino
WHITECHAPEL Post Third “Making of Our Endless War” Video
New Album Available April 29th on
Metal Blade Records
Our Endless WarWHITECHAPEL‘s fifth full-length record and fourth for Metal Blade Records is a ruthlessly honed album that refuses to compromise on brutality; it is also by far WHITECHAPEL‘s most streamlined, atmospheric, and emotionally powerful release, pushing every aspect of their sound to the next level. The wait is almost over and in less then two weeks,Our Endless War will be released to the masses.
On release day Tuesday April 29th, hometown fans in Knoxville, TN will have a chance to meet WHITECHAPEL and pick up a copy of Our Endless Warat a special in-store autograph signing. The signing will take place at FYE at the West Town Mall located at 7600 Kingston, Pike Ste. 1464 in Knoxville, TN. The signing begins at 7:00 PM.
During the recording of Our Endless War the band shot a series of behind the scenes and in-studio videos documenting the process. Today the third episode in the series has been released. This video takes a closer looks at Phil’s performance and lyrics on the album. This album is his darkest and most personal material to date lyrically and in the video he explains the meaning behind some of the songs on the album. The clip can be viewed here:
The first episode in the series focuses on the pre-production and the band’s writing process for the new album. It can be viewed here:
The second video showcases each member sharing their part in tracking the riffs that made up the album and can be viewed here:
Earlier this week WHITECHAPEL premiered a lyric video for the song “Our Endless War” on Artist Direct. It can be viewed here:
WHITECHAPEL will hit the road this Friday April 16th as part of a string of shows leading up to the release of Our Endless War. The shows run through April 27th in Birmingham, AL with support coming from Carnifex, Within the Ruins, and Cruelhand. This run also includes an appearance at this year’s New England Metal & Hardcore Festival.
Following those shows, WHITECHAPEL will take part in a co-headline tour DevilDriver. Support on the tour will come from Revocation, Carnifex, Rivers of Nihil and Fit For an Autopsy. The tour runs from May 17th in Denver, CO through June 23rd in Austin, TX. A complete list of dates can be found below.
The band have also confirmed an appearance at this year’s Heavy MTL Festival on August 9th as well as select headline dates around their appearance. These shows run from August 7th through August 12th.
WHITECHAPEL have created an online contest with their new single “Mono”. Vocalist Phil Bozeman has a video message for fans that are interested and would like to enter the contest, which can be viewedHERE. The object of the contest is that fans will film themselves doing a vocal cover of the new song “Mono” and then upload their videos to YouTube. The contest ends April 21st and the winner will be announced on April 22nd and will receive a grand prize package that consists of: 1 Deluxe CD Bundle of Our Endless War, a 30 minute vocal coaching lesson with Phil Bozeman via Skype and their video will be featured on Phil’s YouTube Channel.
Our Endless War Track Listing:
1. Rise
2. Our Endless War
3. The Saw is the Law
4. Mono
5. Let Me Burn
6. Worship the Digital Age
7. How Times Have Changed
8. Psychopathy
9. Blacked Out
10. Diggs Road
11. A Process So Familiar (Bonus Track)
12. Fall of the Hypocrites (Bonus Track)
WHITECHAPEL w/ Carnifex, Within The Ruins and Cruelhand
4/16: Columbus, OH @ The Basement
4/17: Buffalo, NY @ Waiting Room
4/18: Worcester, MA @ Palladium – New England Metal and Hardcore Fest*
4/19: Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club
4/20: Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance
4/22: Greensboro, NC @ Greene Street Club
4/23: Columbia, SC @ New Brooklyn Tavern
4/24: Jacksonville, FL @ Roc Bar
4/25: Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
4/27: Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco
*Festival Date
WHITECHAPEL in Mexico
5/3: Zapopan, Jalosco, MX @ Calle 2 Pabellon B
5/4: Monterey NL, MZ @ Café Iguana
5/5: Mexico City, MX @ Plaza Condesa
WHITECHAPEL w/ Revocations and Rivers of Nihil:
5/14: St Louis, MO @ Fubar
5/15: Kansas City, MO @ Czar Bar
WHITECHAPEL w/ DevilDriver, Revocation, Carnifex, Rivers of Nihil and Fit For An Autopsy
5/17: Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
5/18: Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
5/19: Tempe, AZ @ Marquis Theater
5/20: West Hollywood, CA @ House of Blues
5/21: San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
5/22: San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
5/23: Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spade
5/24: Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
5/25: Boise, ID @ Knitting Factor
5/26: Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factor
5/27: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
5/29: Calgary, AB @ Marquee Beer & Market Stag
5/30: Edmonton, AB @ Union Hall
5/31: Regina, SK @ Riddell Centre
6/1: Fargo, ND @ The Venue
6/2: Minneapolis, MN @ Mill City Nights
6/3: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
6/4: Joliet, IL @ Mojoes
6/5: Kokomo, IN @ CenterStage Bar and Grill
6/7: Knoxville, TN @ The International
6/8: Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts
6/10: Toronto, ON @ The Opera House
6/11: Pittsburgh, PA @ Altar Bar
6/12: New York, NY @ Stage 48
6/13: Philadelphia, PA @ Theater of the Living Arts
6/14: Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Sound Stage
6/15: Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall
6/16: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
6/17: Orlando, FL @ Firestone Live
6/18: Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
6/20: Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
6/21: Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock
6/22: Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Bar ‘N Grill (Outside)
6/23: Austin, TX @ Mohwak
It comes as no surprise to diehard MISS MAY I fans that the band loves to give back to their avid followers, and today they are in the extra giving mood! Right now you can download a brand new track, ‘Refuse To Believe’, via www.mmiriseofthelion.com. ‘Refuse To Believe’ is the third exclusive track to be released from the band’s upcoming release Rise Of The Lion, hitting stores in North America on April 29, 2014 via Rise Records.
MISS MAY I frontman Levi Benton had the following to say about the song, “I’m really excited to be giving people the chance to download ‘Refuse To Believe’. We wanted to give all the dedicated MISS MAY I metalheads something nice and heavy as a “thank you” for all their support. It’s one of my favourite songs on the record and definitely one of the heavier songs on the album!”
Rise Of The LionisMISS MAYI’s fourth album and the first to be produced by the legendary Terry Date (Pantera, Deftones,White Zombie,Bring Me The Horizon). The countless fan letters the band has received over the years are the inspiration for the tracks onRise Of The Lion, and each track is written from the perspective of those fans or responses to them. You can pre-orderRise Of The Lionin digital, physical CD, and vinyl versions, as well as special pre-order packages including exclusiveRise Of The Lionshirts, necklaces, posters, and more, via www.MMIRiseOfTheLion.com.
As announced earlier this month, MISS MAY I have solidified a spot on the COLDCOCK American Herbal Flavored Whiskey Second Stage at the 2014 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival! MISS MAY I will be joining the likes of multi-platinum headliners Avenged Sevenfold, as well as Korn, Asking Alexandria, Trivium, Cannibal Corpse, Suicide Silence, Mushroomhead, Texas Hippie Coalition, King 810, Body Count featuring Ice-T, Upon A Burning Body, Veil of Maya, Darkest Hour, Emmure, Ill Nino, Wretched, Islander, and Erimha. For more details visitwww.rockstarmayhemfest.comand see below for a full listing of dates that MISS MAY I will be performing on.
In addition to performing at the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, MISS MAY I will head out on a brief headline tour of the United States this April and May, with support fromFor The Fallen Dreams.MISS MAY I’s “Up Close and Personal” Tourwill stop in eight cities, including a closer in their home state of Ohio atRock On The Range. Get this – each ticket price includesa copy ofRise Of The Lionhard copy CD!
MISS MAY I U.S. Tour Dates:
4/29 Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen
4/30 Grand Rapids, MI @ The Pyramid Scheme
5/1 Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room at Crofoot Ballroom
5/2 Pittsburgh, PA @ Smiling Moose
5/3 New York, NY @ The Studio at Webster Hall
5/4 Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar
5/6 Philadelphia, PA @ The Barbary
5/18 Columbus, OH @ Rock On The Range
MISS MAY I 2014 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival Performance Dates:
7/5 – CA – San Bernardino – San Manuel Amphitheatre
7/6 – CA – Mountain View (San Francisco) – Shoreline Amphitheatre
7/8 – WA – Auburn (Seattle) – White River Amphitheatre
7/9 – ID – Boise – Idaho Center Amphitheatre
7/11 – AZ – Phoenix – Ak-Chin Pavilion
7/12 – NM – Albuquerque – Isleta Amphitheatre
7/16 – MO – St. Louis – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/17 – MI – Detroit – DTE Energy Music Theater
7/19 – IN – Indianapolis – Kilpsch Music Center
7/20 – IL – Chicago – First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
7/22 – MA – Mansfield (Boston) – Xfinity Center
7/23 – NY – Saratoga – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
7/25 – ON – Toronto (Canada) – Molson Amphitheatre
7/26 – PA – Burgettstown (Pittsburgh) – First Niagra Pavilion
7/27 – CT – Hartford – Xfinity Theatre
7/29 – NY – Darien Center – Darien Lake
8/1 – NJ – Camden (Philadelphia, PA) – Susquehanna Bank Center
8/2 – PA – Scranton -The Pavilion At Montage Mountain
8/3 – VA – Bristow (Washington, DC) – Jiffy Lube Live
After the resounding underground success of their debut full-length releaseMonument,MISS MAY Itook a step beyond the metalcore world they had grown up in with the release of their albumAt Heartin 2012. The record, produced by renowned record producer Machine (Lamb Of God), proved to be one of the strongest and most surprising metal records of the last few years, spawning huge singles in the songs ‘Hey Mister’ and ‘Day By Day’. Entering the Billboard Top 200 charts in its first week at #32,At Heartsaw the band embrace a more mainstream metal approach to their music. During their 2012 Vans Warped Tour main stage onslaught, theAt Heartcampaign made massive leaps, seeingMISS MAY Inominated for ‘Best New Talent’ award at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards, as well as headlining the Alternative Press 2012 Tour, and picking up support at Active Rock Radio for the first time. On the live side, the band was hand-picked for tours with the likes ofFive Finger Death Punch, Killswitch EngageandBullet For My Valentine.
New Album “New Southern” Out April 29, 2014 via Nuclear Blast
Oklahoma natives and saviors of southern-infused hard rock, ANTI-MORTEM, have released a video in which singer Larado Romo introduces himself and his band mates to the rock and metal community:
The band’s highly anticipated debut album, New Southern, will be released in North America in physical and digital formats on April 29th via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by the esteemed Bob Marlette (BLACK STONE CHERRY, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, SHINEDOWN, ROB ZOMBIE) and features artwork by Brent Elliott White(DEATH ANGEL, JOB FOR A COWBOY, TRIVIUM). The New Southernpre-order bundle – which includes the album + a t-shirt with exclusive artwork – is available now via the album’s landing page:http://bit.ly/1hPIBT7.
The track listing forNew Southern is: 01. Words Of Wisdom (lyric videohere) 02. New Southern
03. 100% Pure American Rage
04. Hate Automatic
05. Black Heartbeat
06. I Get Along With The Devil
07. Path To Pain
08. Wake Up
09. Ride Of Your Life 10. Stagnant Water (music videohere) 11. Truck Stop Special
12. Jonesboro
BONUS TRACK: 13. A Little Too Loose (MR. BIG cover)
ABOUT NEWCOMERS ANTI-MORTEM:What the American hard rock and metal scene needs right now is an infusion of youth and some new blood coursing through its veins. Enter ANTI-MORTEM and their upcoming debut album, »New Southern«. Formed in 2008 and with over 300 shows already to their name, the combined average age of this Oklahoma quintet is just 21-years-old. ANTI-MORTEM were raised on southern rock & heavy metal and driven by a hunger to make an impact. The band dole out bottom-heavy and groove-laden anthems with every track and infuse a modern sense of melody that is the signature trademark of all the metal greats they’ve learned from. Also present and accounted for: southern swagger in spades, courtesy of the band’s roots and upbringing.
ANTI-MORTEM are: Larado Romo – Lead Vocals
Nevada Romo – Guitar
Zain Smith – Guitar
Corey Henderson – Bass
Levi Dickerson – Drums
MOTÖRHEAD is BACK – First Performances Since August 2013 Kick Off to an Electrifying Start!
Rocked to a SOLD OUT Club Nokia on Friday & Coachella on Sunday
Photo by John Harrell
Undisputed rock n’ roll legends MOTÖRHEAD kicked off their first live performances since August 2013 with an electrifying bang this past weekend – performing to completely packed, sold out crowds on Friday at Club Nokia in Los Angeles and on Sunday at Coachella.
MOTÖRHEAD performed 15 songs on Friday, including top tracks ‘Ace of Spades’ and ‘Overkill’, with Slash joining in (see below for some fantastic photos from the set). The exciting set included tracks encompassing the band’s career; including a track from the band’s new album Aftershock.
As mentioned above, not only did MOTÖRHEAD bring down the house at Club Nokia, but then turned right around to rock the sold out crowd at Coachella on Sunday! “Legendary London heavy metal band MOTÖRHEAD, with special guest Slash, got the devil horns approval of fans on Sunday at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival,” states Wes Woods of the Los Angeles Daily News. In a Twitter post, Billboard adds, “MOTÖRHEAD, who have already pummeled the crowd with the heaviest riffs heard all weekend, welcome Guns N’ Roses guitar god Slash to the stage for a balls to the walls rendition of “Ace of Spades.” Any marbles Coachella had left are instantly lost.”
Apparently MOTÖRHEAD out-rocked other bands, even way across the festival grounds! According to Yahoo Music, “The roaring riffs of Slash and MOTÖRHEAD axeman Phil Campbell could be heard all the way across Coachella’s vast polo field, practically bleeding over into Arcade Fire‘s Main Stage revue.”
MOTÖRHEAD will continue to perform throughout April, including another Coachella performance on April 20th. Other stops include Chandler, AZ, Las Vegas, NV, and San Francisco, CA.
MOTÖRHEAD Spring Performance Dates:
4/15 Chandler, AZ @ Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
4/17 Las Vegas, NV @ Pearl Concert Theater
4/18 San Francisco, CA @ Warfield Theatre
4/20 Indio, CA @ Coachella
Photo by Alex Solca
Photo by Scott Uchida
Photo by John Harrell
Photo by John Harrell
MOTÖRHEAD is taking part in Record Store Day 2014 in a big way – offering a must-have collectible item! The band is releasing a limited and numbered special edition Aftershock picture disc vinyl, exclusively for Record Store Day on April 19th. The 180-gram picture discs are limited to 4,500 units worldwide and are individually numbered. Go to www.recordstoreday.com to find a participating Record Store Day store near you.
Catch MOTÖRHEAD performing with Megadeth and Anthrax on the first annual MOTÖRHEAD’s Motörboat cruise onboard the Carnival Ecstasy from September 22-26, 2014. In addition to these three rock giants, “The Loudest Boat In The World” will also feature performances from Zakk Wylde, Jim Breuer, Danko Jones, Fireball Ministry, Wilson,and some big surprises. More bands are set to be announced soon. Tickets for MOTÖRHEAD’s Motörboat, as well as full details and cabin pricing, are on sale now at www.MotorheadCruise.com.
MOTÖRHEAD’s Aftershock did not only act as another stellar addition to the band’s legendary catalog, but is widely regarded as one of the best musical releases of 2013. Aftershock marked MOTÖRHEAD’s biggest selling first week and highest US chart debut numbers to date.You can order Aftershock now in Limited Edition Digipack format via Amazon.com at this link. The album is also available in regular CD format and vinyl (gatefold – 180-Gram Single LP).
the Hellion Rocks 